Algiers, October 15: President Droupadi Murmu, during her visit to Algeria as part of a three-nation tour, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Political Science by the prestigious Sidi Abdellah Science and Technology Pole University in Algiers on October 15.
In her acceptance speech, President Murmu emphasized that the honor reflected more on India's contributions than on her as an individual. She expressed her pride in addressing the confident, knowledge-seeking youth of Algeria.
The degree was presented by Kamal Baddari, Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. During her address, Murmu highlighted India's role in providing quality education to students from Africa, including Algeria, at a fraction of the cost charged by Western institutions.
She encouraged Algeria’s educational institutions and government departments to take advantage of India's various scholarship programs, including the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
Murmu lauded the technological and women-led growth in India, noting that around 36% of the 4.4 million professionals in the IT sector are women. She also discussed the benefits of technology-based financial inclusion, especially for rural women in India.
Furthermore, Murmu pointed out the progress both India and Algeria have made in the fields of space exploration and science and technology, mentioning India's upcoming Gaganyan mission, which will be the country's first human spaceflight.